LaTeisha Green: A celebration of life

CNY communities are invited to celebrate the life of LaTeisha Green from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday Nov. 12 at the First English Lutheran Church, 501 James Street, Syracuse, at the corner of Townsend & James Streets.

Green was a 22-year-old African American transgender woman who was killed on Nov. 14, 2008, in Syracuse. Her killing was treated as a hate crime, for which 20-year-old African American Dwight DeLee was convicted in July 2009.

LaTeisha’s death, the homophobia that motivated it, and Dwight DeLee’s conviction are all sad events for the African American community, and for all communities.

November 2009 marks the one-year anniversary of LaTeisha’s death so this is an opportunity to cherish her memory, renounce violence, and affirm the rights of youth, LGBT people and people of color to live in safety, dignity and freedom. The occasion’s themes: Celebration, Information, Transformation. The commemoration will include speakers from LaTeisha’s family and friends; remarks by LGBT, anti-racist and anti-violence activists; and cultural performances. The celebration will be followed by a light reception.